Delaware Valley Tackle

I’m right handed and primarily use left hand reels. Where I depart from the OP is the use of words like should, better, right or wrong. Its 💯 personal preference.

The service or rather the lack of it far overrides any potential quality or performance advantage they MIGHT have. I only use them if the client obtains the blank because I don’t want the blowback. The supply chain issues we encountered during Covid kind of got us used to waiting for merchandise. In the aftermath some companies are using that to get away with manufacturing on order instead of keeping inventory. They’re just not tying up their cash in inventory. It’s good business if you can get away with it. NFC pushes it to the limit and compounds the problem with poor communication to put it lightly.

Dual supported pinions are a nice feature, however I don’t think they by themselves create a smoother feel or ensure longer life. Overall quality and tolerances have as much or more affect. Shimano Core is a good example.

BFS is an enthusiast niche. I recommend you try it just for enjoyment sake. If it doesn’t appeal to you strongly enough to try, you’re not missing out on anything efficiency wise.

I wouldn’t sweat the F/xF designation. For one, they’re subjective terms. Second, a 3” longer rod with matching lure range but faster action probably just has extra length on the butt.

That’s putting politely. I’d get banned for using the words to describe my feeling about those.

They’re decent reel especially at that price.

The difference between those two ratios isn’t significant imo. At least in this scenario. The mechanical advantage of a 5:1 is nice for deep diving, high resistance lures.

I’m not a fluoro fan really but use 10# abrazix with no trouble to speak of. I know suppliers of store brands change but xps did very well in a shootout comparison a while ago.

Thank you guys. Joe, I’ve replied to your email. Thanks!

Mind over matter: those that matter don’t mind. Those that mind don’t matter.

The majority of my spinning tackle is ML these days going to M where weight and cover dictate. Keep in mind there is no industry standard for power designation. Weight range and action are most important specs.

Multi piece travel rods are no harder to build than others. People that complain about “brittle “ rods just have poor technique. High modulus blanks are intolerant of high sticking and rough handling but are surprisingly powerful when used correctly.

The way I look at it “technique specific “ is a rod with attributes that work exceptionally well in a given application. That doesn’t mean the same rod wouldn’t work well or as well in another application. Not every technique is highly dependent on specific rods either. Pick the right tool for the job and fine tune as you see fit.

The mojo should make a fine spinner bait rod but I don’t see it feeling identical to the LB

It’s perfectly reasonable to have a brand preference, but to say unequivocally that any brand rods are more sensitive than another is impossible. Read opinions and weigh them. Then go with your gut and own experience.

This is what I was thinking about when I posted prior. On paper, dual supported pinions are much better design. In real world applications the difference is much less noticeable in many cases.

Happy New Year friends! Special thanks to Glenn to providing this space for us. As always, thank you everyone for your support of our business and for all the advice, opinions and friendship present on the forum.

Shimano and Daiwa are the standard imo but Doyo is a good manufacturer.

What you have there is three rods of all different power and action. The take away is really highlighting the subjectivity of manufacturer labels.

What you’re describing is normal and not likely to indicate the need to replace parts. Yes, there are fine tuning hacks to achieve and maintain a certain feel (up to point) but you’ll get yrs of use out of that reel doing what you’re doing.

I can’t see any mechanical reason for the drag to back off aside from moving the drag star intentionally or unintentionally. The detail that it only happens during certain motions and positions supports this idea. I have seen Heavy jerkbaiting put a beating on AR clutches causing a handle to intermittently back turn but that’s another story.

Thanks for shining this light. I see posts all the time bragging about doing 20+ reels a day claiming they do full tear down service. Same goes for those that charge $15 a reel and claim to do a full cleaning. I sure as heck ain’t getting rich but not working for $10/hr either.

100% torx

Merry Christmas/ Happy Holidays to all. Best wishes from our family to yours.